What's eating my vallisneria spiralis?

Vallisneria spiralis is an aquatic plant threatened mainly by snails and aquarium fish that graze on its strap-like leaves. Mystery snails and pond snails rasp holes in the foliage; plant-eating fish like goldfish and cichlids uproot or shred it. Regular snail removal and choosing fish carefully protects it.

Irregular holes and ragged edges on leaf blades; young leaves disappear overnight Manual removal nightly; use assassin snails or a snail trap baited with vegetable matter; avoid copper-based treatments near other livestock

Uprooting of runners, shredded or entirely consumed leaves, bare substrate around plants House Vallisneria only with non-plant-eating species; protect new plantings with a mesh guard until roots anchor

Hard green discs on older leaves blocking photosynthesis; plant weakens and yellows Raise CO2 and cut photoperiod to 8 hours; nerite snails graze hard algae effectively; dose Excel/glutaraldehyde as spot treatment